'Brain-eating' amoeba Naegleria fowleri infects 80 people in Kerala
Kerala is dealing with a worrying spike in infections from Naegleria fowleri, the so-called "brain-eating" amoeba.
In 2025 alone, 80 people have been infected and 21 have died. That's more than double last year's numbers.
Central government ramps up testing
To tackle this, the central government has ramped up testing and brought in top labs like NIV Pune.
Officials are also urging everyone to avoid swimming in untreated or stagnant freshwater—prime spots for the amoeba, especially as temperatures rise.
How to stay safe?
This amoeba infects people through the nose when they're exposed to warm, still water, quickly attacking brain tissue.
While it's usually deadly (over 97% fatal worldwide), Kerala has managed to improve survival rates with faster diagnosis—now around 25%.
The best way to stay safe? Keep water sources clean and avoid letting water get up your nose when swimming or bathing in natural bodies of water.